Wolf Mountain Trail and Swimming Beach

Wolf Mountain Trail
Is a 7-mile lollipop on the bluffs and summit above the Pedernales River. The trail is pretty well maintained, but eroded in spots and not always well-marked. It’s a fairly easy hike in hilly terrain. There are streams along the trail, which may or may not be flowing depending on recent rain. There’s a spring-fed stream halfway through the hike that’s always running.
This is a very secluded trail, on a weekday afternoon we saw three other walkers and a handful of mountain bikes. Like all state parks this is pets on leash only, we respect that rule for the safety of the dog - mountain bikes sneak up fast, and there are rattlesnakes here (we didn’t see any). But, we did get in a little romping time at the streams off the trail.
There is primitive camping on the bluff but dogs aren’t allowed overnight.

Swimming Beach
About 3 miles south of Pedernales Falls, and a short walk from parking. The walk to the water is a steep stairway down the bluff to a sandy beach. Along the river there are walking paths in both directions, and the shore will be less populated the farther you go. In my experience, rangers allow dogs off-leash as long as they’re well-behaved and minding their own business in the water.
We went on a weekday in late October and there was no one else there. Early gave it 15/10 for super great water, dramatic tree trunks, fun rocks and sticks, and tiny fish to snorkel.
Heads up - The water level can vary dramatically based on recent rains and a fast/flooding river is no place for dogs.

Oct. 29, 2021